Fremantle Dockers name Switkowski as eighth debutant in 2018 for Carlton clash

Young Docker forgives Eagle Gaff

Young Docker forgives Eagle Gaff

Video18-year-old Andrew Brayshaw says he wants to meet the player who laid a punch on him in last week's Derby to accept his apology.

Fremantle fans wondering what to expect from debutant Sam Switkowski against Carlton on Sunday need look no further than veteran forward Hayden Ballantyne.

Coach Ross Lyon says the pair are very similar as the Victorian prepares for his first AFL game at Optus Stadium.

Switkowski, who was this afternoon named in the Dockers’ final side, was taken with pick 73 in last year’s draft.

The 21-year-old has struggled with hamstring injuries for much of the season, playing just five games for Peel in the WAFL.

But the 178cm forward managed 19 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in his last start against East Perth.

“As a youngster in the under 18s, he was more of a midfielder but then he was a pressure forward,” Lyon said. “A quick, hard-running, committed pressure forward. He’s very level, very committed off field.

“He would play in the front half as a small forward with really good speed, really good repeat effort, really committed to the defensive actions, which the best teams are featuring.

“They (Switkowski and Ballantyne) are very similar.”

Camera IconSam Switkowski is in the frame to debut.Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Lyon said he expected Harley Bennell to play football next weekend after another minor calf set back a fortnight ago.

“I expected it to be a week, it wasn’t quite that,” he said. “Peel have got the bye so it’s probably a moot point. We would expect him to be available next week to play football.”

Lyon was hopeful his group would not be distracted after a week dominated by the fallout from Andrew Gaff’s strike on Andrew Brayshaw.

“He (Brayshaw) is back in Melbourne now convalescing and recovering,” Lyon said.

“The matter is dealt with. I’m here to talk about Carlton and the game and there is some healing, physical and mental on both sides. So from here onwards and upwards.

“Everything has been said and done that can be said and done. It’s dealt with, it’s done. Those close to Andy talk to him, those that aren’t, leave him alone because every interaction can be draining. In the end he just needs time and space.

“It was unfortunate for WA football in a lot of respects. There are some great lessons for everyone to take out of it. As long as we all grow from that.”